The artist, born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, began writing and performing at an early age, tinkering around on his father’s guitar and experimenting with songwriting. He released his debut album, “All Seasons” in 2016 and immediately hit the tour circuit to bring the music to audiences from coast to coast. He’s performed over 300 shows and already has a multitude of accolades under his belt including being named the Shepherd Express 2017 “Best of Milwaukee” winner for “Best Acoustic Musician” and a Wisconsin Area Music Industry nomination for “Best New Artist” in 2016. He spent most of 2018 writing and recording the songs that comprise “Love, Future You” with producer Bill Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin) and co-writers Kyler England and Garrison Starr. The collection of songs is powerhouse pop perfection that will have listeners hitting repeat again and again.
The title track and first single, “Love, Future You” is a love letter from your future self, reminding you that everything is going to be okay. It’s equal parts Snow Patrol and Shawn Mendes with a hooky chorus that simmers with hopeful exuberance wrapped in layered harmonious vocals. This first single is a standout introduction to an artist that carefully crafts each and every word into an unforgettable story. Next up is the banging “Sunup to Sundown,” an uplifting reminder that there’s positivity everywhere if only you look for it. Sunshine is packed into the bright, synthy chorus, a throwback to the summer fueled pop tracks of the 1990’s.
Things slow down on “Breakdown, Breakthrough,” written for the dreamers of the world, it reflects on the pressure and pitfalls of chasing after what you want. Sallmann reminds us all to keep pushing through with a soft, atmospheric melody that reverberates until the very last chord. On “T-Shirt Weather,” Sallmann takes listeners on a tropical vacation through a hand clap chorus and unforgettable melody. A quirky, upbeat ode to spring weather, it will make you wish for those bright sunny days even when you’re living them. The final track, “Feels Like Home,” is an anthem for outsiders and outliers. Produced by Indie Pop duo The Highfields, it surges with electric energy and impresses with a soaring chorus. It’s an inspiring look into the power of community and creative togetherness.
On his new EP, “Love, Future You,” Derek Sallmann presents one unforgettable pop experience after another that lingers in your mind long after you stop listening.
On Derek Sallmann’s newest single, “Breakdown, Breakthrough,” he reflects on discovering hope within the darkest moments of chasing a dream. Co-written by Garrison Starr, the stunningly soft melody is the perfect accent to Sallmann’s smooth, emotive vocals. Hope radiates from one sweet chorus to the next with echoes of encouragement. It inspires listeners to fight for what they believe in and trust that eventually, life will guide you where you need to be. As he sings, “I might breakdown, but I’m gonna breakthrough, in the highs and the lows, you find another side of you,” Sallmann taps into the magic born from the struggle. From the layers of harmonies to the impactful heartbeat rhythm, every moment of this inspiring track makes you believe that any dream is possible if only you dare to keep chasing it.
Connect with Derek Sallmann
Facebook: facebook.com/dcsallmann
YouTube: youtube.com/user/dereksallmann
Twitter: @DerekSallmann
IG: @dereksallmann
